Mahwelereng cyclists begin 4 000km Kilimanjaro ride
Four cyclists have set off from Limpopo on a journey to Tanzania to raise funds for community development projects, backed by Roots Butchery.
MOKOPANE – Four cyclists from Mahwelereng have embarked on an approximately 4 000km journey from Limpopo to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for community development initiatives, with Roots Butchery Mahwelereng backing the #Cycle2Kili expedition as its main sponsor.
Rasetobole Moloto, Johannes Tjotjo, Sello Kutumela and Keletso Kopa are undertaking the journey under the banner of the Distinctions Pathways Organisation NPO to support disadvantaged communities and create opportunities for young people.
Roots backs the journey
Roots Butchery owner Igor Mendonca said his decision to sponsor the cyclists was inspired by his wife, Michelle Mendonca, who represented South Africa at the World Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, in 2025.
Witnessing the pride and sacrifice involved in representing the country motivated him to support the four local cyclists as they set out to put Mahwelereng on the map.
“When four young men from Mahwelereng came to us with a dream to cycle 4 000km to Kilimanjaro to raise funds for a community sports complex in Mokopane, we saw their choice was courage. We chose to believe,” he said.
Mendonca said the cyclists initially faced challenges securing essential travel requirements, including passports.
“At Roots Butchery, our slogan is ‘It’s your choice’. We believe that home must help first. That’s why we said, ‘Roots Ya Ka Gae’ — Roots is home, and home must help first. It started at Roots,” he said.
The sponsorship included four South African passports, professional Roots-branded cycling kits, vaccinations, gadgets and travel documentation.
The cyclists departed from the Roots Mahwelereng Shopping Complex on November 7, with the business also serving as the expedition’s media hub by sharing updates on its social media platforms under the banner ‘Cycle2Kili2026 – Live from Roots Butchery’.
Cycling for community development
The expedition aims to raise funds and attract partnerships to strengthen the work of the Distinctions Pathways Organisation and its Community Development Centre. Support will contribute towards community projects, including the proposed sports complex, while helping address challenges such as limited access to educational support, skills development, employment opportunities and sporting facilities.
For Mendonca, the initiative is about more than business exposure.
“It’s more than marketing. It’s pride,” he said.
He encouraged the cyclists to remain safe and determined throughout the journey.
“Go with God. You carry Mahwelereng on your bicycles. Cycle safe, pray daily, and come back as legends. Your journey proves that from a small butchery in Mahwelereng, you can reach Kilimanjaro. It’s your choice, and you chose greatness.”
